Algiers, Algeria

In Camus's birth country

We can't believe this is our last destination to our trip! The beautiful and warm weather of all the visited countries will be deeply missed... 

http://www.hotelalger-dz.com/hotels-alger-5-etoiles.html

Fatima, our Personal Guide in Algiers 

At first, one of our good friends back in Montreal gave us the coordinates of her cousin in Algeria. We thought it wouldn't be necessary since we seeked spontaneity in our trip. However, we discovered that our budget was getting tighter. We were hoping that Fatima could lodge us a few nights, but it turned out that not only did she take us in every day and offer us homemade meals, she volunteered to guide us through the city, making sure we saw the best of Algiers.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_Iran

Put a Ring on It

Before the trip, our Algerian friend recommended us a donut place in Algiers, and so, Fatima brought us there. It was the Donut Factory. (https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Restaurant_Review-g293718-d8521926-Reviews-Donut_factory-Algiers_Algiers_Province.html) They had mouthwatering donuts. Angel chose the one with strawberry frosting, Elena, the vanilla frosted donut, and Nanxin, the caramel and roasted almond donut. Many other flavors were available. This place was totally worth a stop!

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g293718-d8521926-Reviews-Donut_factory-Algiers_Algiers_Province.html

Under the Mighty Powerful Sun Part I
On Monday, Fatima brought us to Algiers's Palm Beach. For a hot sunny day, the place was relatively deserted. Apparently, the coast is specifically known to people in their 20s or 30s. For the following days, we would come every morning for a run.

Angel running in sand (http://wtd.unwto.org/photo-competitor/2012-07-09/un-matin-la-plage-de-bouznika)

Under the Mighty Powerful Sun Part II

We mostly spent our last few days tanning under the sun. We were very tired from all the traveling and needed to relax. It happened at times that we fell asleep. No worries, we were under the shade of a parasol and buttered ourselves with sun cream. On Thursday, however, Elena caught a horrible sunburn. She applied lotion, but it wasn't of much help. Later, she started to feel nauseous. She was bedridden the next day.

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sunburn/five-ways-to-treat-a-sunburn

Falling Asleep near the Beach

We are grateful that Fatima let us borrow one of her rooms in her cozy home for us to spend our last days. Plus, it was also near the beach, which was very convenient. The day we had to leave for Montreal, we thanked Fatima infinitely for her friendly reception. She promised us she would pay  a visit whenever she would be in Canada.
Goodbye North Africa, goodbye Old Continent, goodbye beautiful beaches! Can't wait to see you again. 

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/VacationRentalReview-g2012132-d6993566-Furnished_and_fully_equipped_flat_in_Algiers-Rouiba_Algiers_Province.html

Visited on May 7th to May 14th 2017

Oran, Algeria

Next to the Sea
After eight hours of ferry from Spain, we finally met ground in Algeria. We are exhausted, and can't wait to go to the beach! Look at this beautiful view!

http://www.panoramio.com/user/1589213/tags/Oran

In Oran, we went to a restaurant called Le Ciel d'Oran (http://www.lecieldoranrestaurant.com/en/menu) for its renowned seafood dishes. We ordered this plate and shared it between us. Very delicious, but pricey. 

http://afrotourism.com/restaurant/le-ciel-doran/

We were able to rent a room with a television. How nice! Plus, Oran is not that much of a fascinating city so we spent some time watching local channels. The soaps were particularly cheesy so we virtually assisted football games (the European one). 

https://www.vrbo.com/6655639ha

Visited on May 3rd to May 6th 2017

Málaga, Spain

Sharing Footsteps with Picasso

As we walked into the city of Málaga, birthplace of Picasso, the medieval-looking architecture charmed us. As we wandered through the streets, street performers soothed us with their classical guitar. The Spanish are so romantic!

http://www.hotelalger-dz.com/hotels-alger-5-etoiles.html

La Concepción Garden

From the outside, the garden was stunning! However, as we walked in, we realized it was especially tiny. There were not many different species of plants, and the visitors were mostly lovers on their honeymoon. We were not impressed. We would have rathered visit Montreal's botanical garden for the umpteenth time.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A1laga#/media/File:Botanic_Garden_La_Concepcion_Malaga.jpg

Cathedral of Málaga

As we walked inside this beautiful church, we immediately pictured Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Raphael and Donatello. Although the cathedral is not located in Italy, the interior reflects the Renaissance to its finest details. Fun fact, this building actually took over two centuries to build.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Torrecatedralypalmeras.jpg

An Apple a Day

We got a little hungry on the road and wanted to eat something healthy. We came across a beautiful market and grabbed some fresh organic fruits. I think we fell in love with local markets...

http://www.spain-holiday.com/blog/organic-food-markets-in-malaga.php

http://retaildesignblog.net/2013/10/14/ataranzas-municipal-market-by-aranguren-gallegos-arquitectos-malaga-spain/

Revisiting Childhood

Ugh, bunk beds. At least it was cheap.

http://www.hostels.com/hostels/malaga/residencia-malaga-backpackers/19733?dateFrom=2016-04-29&dateTo=2016-05-02&guestCount=3&p=1&o=price#orderBy=price&propertyAnchor=p19733

Visited on April 29th to May 1st 2017

Gibraltar City, Gibraltar

The Rock
When a tiny city has more or less half of its area covered by a huge rock, you don't expect to do and see much as a tourist. Surprisingly, Gibraltar overflows with wildlife sites! Caves, nature reserves, botanic gardens, it has all that and more.

http://www.euro-t-guide.com/See_Coun/UK/Gibraltar/UK_See_Rock_of_Gibraltar_2-1.htm

St. Michael's Cave
From the outside, the cave seemed ordinary. However, as soon as we walked in, the vastness enchanted us. The stalactites were unique and the acoustics was so amazing; any band would die to hear themselves play in there.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_caves_in_Gibraltar

Saint's Cafe Bar

We were craving for something sweet and warm that day so we went to a small cafe to drink some coffee and eat a freshly prepared apple crumble. (https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g187510-d3365671-Reviews-Saint_Cafe_Bar-Gibraltar.html) The atmosphere of the cafe was welcoming and we recommend you to pay a visit. Could we say that Kim Kardashian's newborn can brag about having a café named after him?

http://www.click-gibraltar.com/gibraltar-lifestyle/apple-crumble/

Visited on April 26th to April 28th 2017

Tarifa, Spain

Breakfast at Aeolus's

Wow! As we arrived in Tarifa from Morocco, the strong wind seemed to invite us into this tiny city. It was no surprise that the moment when we got to the beach, windsurfers and kitesurfers surrounded the premises. We were asked if we wanted to try out the sports. Since time was short and we weren't feeling particularly adventurous that day, we skipped. However, we did assist a local competition. It was astonishing seeing how athletes got propulsed by the wind as the water was absolutely waveless!

http://www.kiteschooltarifa.net/

Joaquín and Camila

Even though we only spent one night next door to this couple, they are probably the most friendly any one of us three have encountered in our lifetime. Joaquín, wind turbine engineer, and Camila, policewoman, were established at the auberge for a few months since the city recently developed its technology to exploit the powerful winds.    

https://desertpeace.wordpress.com/2012/11/11/where-are-the-normal-kids-in-israel-today/

Our neighbours in the hostels were very sweet and charming. They even invited us for supper.

http://www.aubergesdejeunesse.com/Auberge-jeunesse-Hostel/Auberge-Tarifa/116127/2016-04-25/1

The Neighbours

In Tarifa, we ate another couscous plate, but this time it wasn't spicy and it was a homemade dish made by our neighbours as a way of welcoming us to the country. It was a Tarifan tagine and it was really good.

http://beachhousekitchen.com/2013/01/23/radio-tarifan-tagine/

Ruins and Artifacts

Tarifa was built over 2,000 years ago as a result of trading with the North Africans. The ruins of Baelo Claudia possesses the elements of a typical Roman city, but earthquakes have destroyed most of the premises. We saw a statue, practically intact, who archaeologists believed to be Isis (the Egyptian goddess, duh!). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baelo_Claudia

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Tourism-g315918-Tarifa_Costa_de_la_Luz_Andalucia-Vacations.html


Visited on April 25th 2017

Tangier, Morocco

Sweet

While taking a walk in Tangier, we found paradise in a little candy stand in the marketplace on De la Plage Street. We each bought a little bag of sweetness for the rest of the day.

https://www.tumblr.com/search/tangier%20street%20food

 As we entered a little store, the colours and the smells of different spices overwhelmed us. The owner made us taste his products blended in different kinds of dishes. Ginger, white pepper, coriander, turmeric, allspice and cinnamon, that's the Moroccan spice mixture, and by far the most traditional combination typical of the country. It was like having the whole land of Morocco in your mouth! We enjoyed discovering unknown exotic spices, as well as rediscovering the ones we were familiar with in a new way.

http://www.grayline.com/tours/costa-del-sol/tangier-by-ferry-full-day-tour-from-costa-del-sol-5885_59/

Cliff Jumping

This activity seems really popular in Morocco. Since Marrakech, we kept seeing locals jumping inside oases whenever the weather was nearly torrid. We were unsure whether we should try it at first, but since we are leaving the country very soon, it was then or never. The experience was thrilling!

http://therunwayjournal.com/?p=388

Last Night in Morocco

This is where we spent our last nights in Morocco. We can't believe we have to move on... Morocco is definitely a destination to rediscover. Farewell!

http://www.hostels.com/hostels/tangier/the-medina-hostel-tangier/100090?dateFrom=2016-04-23&dateTo=2016-04-25&guestCount=3&p=1&o=price#orderBy=price&propertyAnchor=p100090

Visited on April 23rd to April 24th 2017

Fes, Morocco

Journey to the Past?

As you walk into Fes (no, not that weird kid Wilmer Valderrama played in That 70s Show), Morocco, you immediately notice a different scenery from the rest of the country. The buildings reflect a Medieval-style architecture inside maze-like streets. Plus, it's a carfree zone!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fes_Bab_Bou_Jeloud_2011.jpg

Sleeping with Allah

We were totally charmed by the Karaouiyne mosque in Fes. The imam asked us if we wanted to stay a few nights like did many other travelers. At first, the request sounded sketchy, but a few moments later, a Japanese as well as a Swedish family walked inside checking out from the mosque. And so, we established ourselves in this free of charge accommodation. The imam pulled some mats out and placed them along the aisles.

.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Inside_of_a_mosque_in_Fes_(5364764412).jpg

Three Little Cooks

We made a courageous decision to cook for ourselves in the mosque's kitchen one night and we bought some green olives for the appetizer. The public market on Talaa Kebira Street overflows with fresh organic products.

http://www.crifes.ma/crifes.asp?codelangue=23&info=1335

Shopping in the Old Medina

At night, Fes is especially dim. The city forbids excessive light pollution. It was too early for us to go back to the mosque so we wandered around the streets. This gleaming shop caught our eye. The lanterns were simply stunning. We bought a few although we doubted it would be of any future use.

http://www.stuckincustoms.com/2014/06/08/lamp-shopping-in-fes/

Visited on April 21st to April 23rd 2017

Rabat, Morocco

The Capital
The Moroccan capital's unique medieval architecture is still amazingly intact. Our sirwals on, we felt completely integrated in the mise-en-scène. Fun fact, this city influenced many artists, including famous architect Le Corbusier.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabat

Cruise on the Atlantic

Navigating on the coast of Morocco is so liberating. Leaving modernity aside for this view is what we call returning to basics.

http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-town-beach-camels-moroccan-girls-red-cruise-ship-or-ferry-boat-advertising-31127467.html

Kasbah of the Udayas

What is this place you ask? It's basically a fortress built during the XIIe century. There isn't much to do except to wander around and explore an exceptional artifact.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/drexel/2756147590

Milk the Firefighter

We had supper in a local restaurant located on  Hay El Manzeh Street. (https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g293736-d8825284-Reviews-Marzine-Rabat_Rabat_Sale_Zemmour_Zaer_Region.html) This plate was the hottest we have tried yet. Raw chili peppers on top with cooked chili peppers, carrots, Brussels sprout and beef, resting on a bed of couscous. We also ordered a lot of milk to ease the pain caused by chili burns. For those who didn't know, water isn't as effective. There is a substance in milk called "casein" that helps reduce the spicy oil. http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/mythbusters/mythbusters-database/cure-milk-hot-chilies/

https://amideastabroad.wordpress.com/2013/07/29/my-moroccan-experience-summer-2013-intensive-arabic-in-rabat/

Loving this Airbnb

We rented for four days this beautiful apartment owned by a busy business man. As we walked in, the living room was so neat to the point we didn't know where to step foot. (╥﹏╥)

https://www.vrbo.com/6193849ha

Visited on April 16th to April 20th 2017

Casablanca, Morocco

As Time Go By

Casablanca, the unavoidable, the must-see of whole of Morocco. Of course, prior to the trip, we did watch the movie. None of us found love, but I did get my hands on a stunning pair of mocassins. Undoubtingly the most urban city we have encountered up to now, we mostly shopped, ate, slept, went to spas, in brief, a myriad of activities we could have done in Montreal...oops?

http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/city-breaks/casablanca-city-guide-moroccos-biggest-1408465

Relax, Renew, Revitalize

After the harsh days we have been through, we decided to go to Spa & Hammam Istanbul. It turned out that a Turkish bath and massage was exactly what we needed! 

Hassan II Mosque

The mosque is probably the Eiffel Tower of Casablanca. Dominating the whole city, the minaret is topped with a laser pointing towards Mecca (wikipedia.org). In 1961, King Hassan II ordered the construction of a mosque in honour of departed king, and his father, King Mohammed V. The building, finished in 1993, has a massive, glorious interior where thousands of men worked on. Definitely the highlight of the city.

http://islaminform.com/en/hassan-ii-mosque  

Hôtel Central

We were really lucky to have a room on the third floor of the "Hôtel Central" for the panorama it gave us on the city. The old medina was the first thing we saw every morning as we opened the velvet curtains.

http://www.hostels.com/hostels/casablanca/hotel-central/18172?dateFrom=2016-04-12&dateTo=2016-04-16&guestCount=3#anchor=overview&orderBy=price&propertyAnchor=p18172

Eating Chinese in Morocco

This time, we didn't go to a traditional Moroccan restaurant, but a Chinese restaurant on Chaouia Street. (https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g293732-d6591655-Reviews-Restaurant_le_Nouveau_Dragon-Casablanca_Grand_Casablanca_Region.html) It's been a while since we've taste the flavors of the Middle Kingdom. It was such a colorful and delightful dish. It was pleasant to the eyes, to the stomach and to the wallet. :)

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g293732-d809931-Reviews-Golden_China_Restaurant-Casablanca_Grand_Casablanca_Region.html

Visited on April 12th to April 16th 2017

Zagora, Morocco

Next Stop, Timbuktu

From the moment we left the coastal areas of Morocco, the dryness and the heat of the African continent penetrated into every pores of our body. Miles of dunes unfolded before our eyes as we headed towards Ouarzazate. After our brief excursion at the film studios, Nanxin drove us to Zagora, the camp site where we checked in before our wander through the Sahara desert. This peculiar sign welcomed us inside the town. Apparently, it takes fifty-two days to walk or ride on a camel up to Timbuktu, Mali. We set a goal on achieving this trek the moment when the Moroccan-Algerian border will open again.

http://karine.my.tripper-tips.com/photo/tombouctou-52-jours-30906.html

Sahara Desert

Picture of our guide and our camels resting during our scalding escapade through the largest sand desert in the world!

http://morocco-deserts.blogspot.ca/2011/01/mhamid-el-ghizlane-moroccan-oasis-and.html

We rested after a long day of walking while watching the sun set behind the dunes. (The other tourists in our group were curious, they thought we were taking a picture of them.)

http://www.enchantedmorocco.com/tours/south-expedition-in-4-days-departing-from-fes/

Crossing the Desert

Our walk through the desert was going well. It was beautiful, sunny, and of course, very hot. However, a sandstorm started leaping at us violently. We had to wait quite a while for it to stop. Good thing we bought scarves back in Marrakech to hide our orifices! Nobody was harmed and we were able to get back to the base camp safely and continue our trip.

http://www.skymetweather.com/content/global-news/severe-sandstorm-hits-middle-east/

Visited on April 7th to April 10th 2017

Ouarzazate, Morocco

Atlas Film Studios
Ouarzazate has such a gigantic film studios! As soon as we step foot inside the gates of ''Morocco's Hollywood'', we could have pictured ourselves within ancient Rome living with gladiators. (Gladiator (2000) was actually filmed there.)
By the way, our camera didn't have any batteries left when we arrived in Ouarzazate, so we included a picture taken from the web in order to conform to our text/image pattern.

*Picture taken from the Internet (http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/05/business/morocco-film/making-ouarzazate)

Visited on April 6th 2017

Trekking on Mount Atlas

Imlil

Prior to our hiking, we stopped by Imlil as it was the starting point of our adventure. This village shows the rural side of Morocco. With all the greenery, it's hard to believe that Marrakech is in the same country. The air is so clean and the neighborhood so friendly that we could have stayed there our entire trip. However, the vastness of Atlas mountains seemed to invite us to whatever it had to offer.

http://moroccoonthemove.com/2013/05/19/imlil-valley-berber-village-at-foot-of-moroccos-mountains-ventures-africa/

Ready for the Adventure
Can't wait to climb the mountains behind us! Don't worry, we packed warm clothes in our bags (absent from photo)

Beautiful Landscapes

While climbing, we stumbled upon amazing views. Saint-Hilaire is nothing compared to this!

http://www.experiencethehimalayas.com/the-trips/trekking-morocco/mount-toubkal-berber-village-trek/

Our First Accident

So far, the trip was going very well. No one had been injured and no mishaps occured. However, when we finished crossing Mount Atlas, we saw the desert and got excited, as it was our next destination. Angel was so happy that she started to run and jump, but tripped on a rock and fell. Her fall engendered a few giggles, until we saw that she twisted her ankle. Fortunately, she didn't break it. We will be able to resume our trip soon! 

https://alombredubaobab.wordpress.com/2012/09/29/septembre/

Hamza the Guide

All three of us can say that choosing to hike a mountain for three days was an ambitious decision considering we were not-so athletic girls. However, thanks to Hamza's charm and guidance, we were able to overcome every obstacle and climb every peak without a frown. 

(We secretly think that Angel is in love with him since he carried her after her fall. -Elena&Nanxin)

https://www.guideadvisor.com/stories/get-know-morocco-guide-abderrahim-chaair/

Our Last Night 

This is the resort where we spent our three nights in Imlil. Every morning, we would climb a different part of the Atlas Mountains. Even though the mattresses weren't the most comfortable, we were glad to see them again at the end of every excursion. Goodbye Imlil! 

*Special thanks Abdul and Yara, the owners, for their great service and their constant smile:)

http://www.hostels.com/hostels/marrakech/kif-kif-marrakech/61496?dateFrom=2016-04-10&dateTo=2016-04-12&guestCount=3&p=V_1&o=price#orderBy=price&propertyAnchor=p61496

Visited on April 3rd to 6th 2017